A Sermon to Remember
October 14, 2020 by Elder/Minister DeBorrah K. Ogans
Filed under Christian Living, Religion, Society & Culture
A Sermon to Remember
Our journey to Athens Greece is one of the most memorable places we have ever traveled. Perched high is MARS HILL; THE AREOPAGUS. It overlooks this vivacious metropolis. We were in awe of the very realization of the distinct historical ground that we stood upon. Here we were greatly humbled. Here we together praised, thanked and worshipped GOD for HIS marvelous creation. Right in the midst of a plethora of people from all over the world.
Mars Hill is in Athens Greece. It is here you will find the seat of the Ancient Athenian Court. Today there are significant remnants of it that still remain. It is currently being refurbished and fortified to preserve its historical relevancy. Here is where most of the religious problems as well as crimes were judged in the New Testament Era.
Two of the major leading schools of thought were that of the Epicureans and the Stoics. They believed that there were many gods… They in their spiritual blindness and ignorance worshipped idols. They were both thought to be in possession of some of the first and foremost intelligent Greek philosophies of this era. They differed in their beliefs somewhat. However; They both thought agreed and perceived that the Apostle Paul was a babbler. They thought Paul to be strange because he preached to them about JESUS CHRIST and the RESURRECTION.
The Apostle Paul in turn thought them to be too superstitious. He had absolutely no doubt as to who GOD was. He was led by the Spirit of God to give them the WORD! To enlighten them to the one and only true GOD he served, worshipped and lived for.
Here in the Book of Acts is a marvelous unforgettable sermon preached by the Apostle Paul that was proclaimed and spoken in order to bring attention to “The UNKNOWN GOD” they ignorantly spoke of. The God whom they did not fully comprehend. Yes, they referred to HIM, but they did not know that HE IS THE OMNIPOTENT ALMIGHTY HOLY GOD!
It is emphatically clear here on Mars Hill the Apostle Paul undeniably speaks the profound life altering philosophical TRUTH! One must take time to digest and embrace the majestic infallible Word that is revealed here.
GOD does not live in Temples made by human hands. Nor should we serve Him as though He needed anything. IN FACT, IT IS ALL OF US WHO NEED HIM!
May we continue to meditate and ponder upon these enlightening passages of GOD’S infallible WORD! This is what Paul pronounces and brilliantly decrees and preaches to them.
THE APOSTLE PAUL ON MARS HILL; THE AREOPAGUS
“Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars Hill, and said. Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious.
For as I passed by and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship HIM I declare unto you,
GOD that made the world and all the things therein, seeing that HE is LORD of Heaven and earth, dwelleth not in Temples made by hands;
Neither is worshipped with men’s (women’s) hands as though HE needed anything, seeing HE giveth to all life, and breath and all things:
And hath made of one blood all nations of men (women) for to dwell on the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation;
That they should seek the LORD, if haply they might feel after Him, and find Him, though HE be not far from any of us;
For it is in HIM we live and move and have our being; as certain also our own poets have said. For we are also HIS offspring
Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of GOD, we ought to not think that the GODHEAD is like gold, or silver, or stone, or graven art, and man’s device. And the times of his ignorance GOD WINKED AT, BUT NOW COMMANDETH ALL Men (Women) EVERYWHERE TO REPENT…”
Acts 17
Here in this PROFOUND MESSAGE it is clear that GOD does not need any of us. Nor does HE need anything from us. For it is HE that has given us all things including life and breath. We all; men, women, boys or girls of every nation on the earth have one blood. We ALL NEED THE LORD! Each and every one of us are accountable to HIM!
WE ALL ARE TO SEEK THE LORD DAILY
The beauty of GOD’S WORD is it is living quick powerful and it IS THE TRUTH! It is important to know GOD and HIS WORD for yourself. GOD IS OUR MAKER & CREATOR! Be ye always ready to give an answer for the hope that lies within you. “Study to shew thyself approved unto GOD, a workman that needed NOT be ashamed, rightly dividing the WORD of TRUTH… II Timothy 2
If you really want to be BLESSED; spend some quality time with the Lord in His Word! Being blessed really goes far beyond the material blessings… “BLESSED BE THE GOD & FATHER OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, WHO HATH BLESSED US WITH ALL SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS IN HEAVENLY PLACES IN CHRIST.” Ephesians 6 God continuously disburses His blessings as He sees fit or deems appropriate.
Wherever we are we can call upon the Lord in prayer 24/7. “Praying without ceasing” is a state of mind. How about denying yourself some time in the world… And set aside some time to listen intently to the Lord as He speaks to your heart in His Word. Allow Him to grow you in His grace, wisdom & understanding. Truly; HE CAN SET YOU FRE! Learn how to “BE STILL & KNOW!”
Today in this 21st century GOD IS SPEAKING VOCIFEROUSLY to HIS CHURCH, this world and all men, women boys and girls all around the world in many ways. HIS MESSAGE IS STILL: REPENT!!!
See what is happening all around us!
The plague and pestilence that has persisted throughout the world continues to take its casualties. Each day the numbers escalate. Across the globe. “THIS Coronavirus pandemic DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE!” The political divisions throughout the world continues to persist as well. The in-climate weather irregularities persist. The tension between the governing political parties at times have been somewhat disturbing. An uprising of racial discrimination continues to resurface. Nothing is new under the sun.
GOD is never far from any of us. FOR HE IS OMNIPRESENT! There is absolutely nothing that He is not aware of past, present or future. Remember; Each day is a day to grow in His grace, wisdom and understanding. As we actually embrace HIS WORD and implement it within our daily lives the FRUIT of HIS SPIRIT manifests and multiplies within us. We CAN and MUST STAND upon HIS WORD! HOLY FATHER, WE THANK & PRAISE YOU AS YOU POUR OUT YOUR HOLY SPIRIT UPON US LORD GOD!
There is much going on in, around and about this world Christ Jesus spoke into existence. Many are bypassing and overlooking GOD’S WORD and embracing the ways of the world. Truly the Lord knows; Many of the ways of the world have also nested themselves in the midst of GOD’S CHURCH! LORD HAVE MERCY!
Nothing is no longer sacred to many… You can expect some of everything… The WORD of GOD is being fulfilled. No doubt the “Perilous Days” are upon us. As believers we are to daily live as though we are really expecting CHRIST JESUS to return.
This Message on Mars Hills reminds us of the importance of knowing GOD for ourselves. This was true then, Now and will be so throughout eternity.
GOD Speaks to HIS CHURCH in Revelation
In Revelation GOD speaks to HIS CHURCH about what is happening and what is to COME! In all of the (7) seven Churches there was a need for improvement. The Church is the Bride of Christ! Each of them was told; “He that hath an ear, let Him hear what the SPIRIT saith unto the Churches.” Revelation 1,2 & 3
“I JESUS have sent my Angel to testify unto you these things in the Churches, I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star. And the SPIRIT and the BRIDE say, COME. And let HIM that heareth say, COME. And whosoever will let His/her take the water of life freely…” Revelation 22
GOD is a just GOD! We can be sure at His appointed time He will bring to light what has been done in the dark. He will right every wrong…
BECAUSE HE HATH APPOINTED A DAY, IN WHICH HE WILL JUDGE THE world in RIGHTEOUSNESS by that MAN whom HE hath ordained: whereof He hath given assurance unto all men/women that HE has raised HIM from the dead…” Acts 17
We can live and be confident every day knowing that in GOD’S time He will deal with everyone and everything justly.
“AND IT SHALL COME TO PASS IN THE LAST DAYS, SAITH THE GOD, I WILL POUR OUT MY SPIRIT; UPON ALL FLESH; AND YOUR SONS AND YOUR DAUGHTERS SHALL PROPHESY, AND OUR YOUNG MEN SHALL SEE VISIONS, AND YOUR OLD MEN SHALL DREAM DREAMS;
AND ON MY SERVANTS AND MY HANDMAIDENS I WILL POUR OUT IN THOSE DAYS OF MY SPIRIT, AND THEY SHALL PROPHESY. AND I WILL SHOW WONDERS IN HEAVEN ABOVE, AND SIGNS IN THE EARTH BENEATH, BLOOD AND FIRE AND VAPOR AND SMOKE.
THE SUN SHALL BE TURNED INTO DARKNESS, AND THE MOON INTO BLOOD, BEFORE THAT GREAT NOTABLE DAY OF THE LORD COME; AND IT SHALL COME TO PASS THAT WHOSOEVER SHALL CALL ON THE NAME OF THE LORD SHALL BE SAVED.” Acts 2
So, let us not take time for granted. Let us live each day expecting our Lord Jesus Christ to return. For without notice; “in a twinkling of an eye” HE IS coming back for HIS CHURCH without spot or wrinkle.
Our Omnipresent, Omniscient, Omnipotent GOD
September 20, 2020 by Elder/Minister DeBorrah K. Ogans
Filed under Christian Living, Church, For The Youth, Religion
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” Live Out Loud The Gospel! “
~ JESUS! JESUS!! JESUS!!! ~
WE SERVE AN OMNIPRESENT, OMNISCIENT, OMNIPOTENT GOD!
GOD IS OUR CREATOR & MAKER. THE EARTH IS HIS FOOTSTOOL. HIS THRONE IS HEAVEN. AND OUR BODIES ARE HIS TEMPLE WHERE HIS HOLY SPIRIT/HIS COMFORTER RESIDES. WE HIS PEOPLE ARE HIS CHURCH!
Who is CHRIST JESUS? “in HIM we have redemption through HIS BLOOD, EVEN THE FORGIVENESS of sins.
Who is the image of the invisible GOD, the first-born of every creature. For by HIM all things were created that are in Heaven, and that are in the earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions, or principalities or powers ALL things were created by Him and for HIM.
And HE is before all things and by Him all things consist. and He is the Head of the Body, The CHURCH, who is the beginning, the first-born from the dead, that in all things HE might have the pre-eminence.” Colossians 1
Earth is GOD’S Footstool
This is what the LORD says about HIS FOOTSTOOL
“Thus saith the LORD, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool; where is the house that ye build unto me? and where is the place of my rest?” Isaiah 66
Did you know GOD is even greater than the heavens. Everything was spoken into existence through HIS Living Word Christ Jesus!
Remember this earth where we live is the Lord’s footstool!
Yes, we can gather together in the many places of worship. It is truly wonderful to want to worship & praise the Lord! Do welcome the presence of GOD all around you. Yes do, congregate together to worship, pray & praise the Lord. Make sure wherever you assemble is safe… But know that this is not where GOD lives. We who are believers are to live a life of worship. Know that HIS HOLY SPIRIT is present everywhere. There is nowhere that GOD is not. When you really believe this you will live, be and think differently. As a matter of fact GOD has created us to daily worship HIM. Worship continues in Heaven.
“AND YOU SHALL KNOW THE TRUTH AND THE TRUTH SHALL SET YOU FREE!”
There is much that has crept in amidst GOD’S CHURCH that is NOT of HIM! “The WHEAT AND the tares are growing together.” MATTHEW 13 PRAY FOR DISCERNMENT!
KNOW GOD lives within the Hearts of HIS PEOPLE who are HIS CHURCH!
God is infinite and immeasurable
It is important to know that God is beyond infinite! He is so much greater than our little finite minds can ever totally conceive. Whatever your perception of GOD is; He is so much greater. We cannot minimalize God or reduce Him to our human comprehension. But we can get a better understanding of who He is through His Word!
GOD is omnipresent and HE cannot be restricted to any one place. No one can contain GOD! For He is absolutely illimitable and without boundaries. He is extensively inconceivable and immeasurable.
Heaven is HIS Throne
This is what the LORD says about HIS THRONE:
“The LORD is in HIS Holy Temple, the LORD’S throne is in Heaven: HIS eyes behold, HIS eyelids, try the children of men/women. Psalm 11
GOD’S THRONE IS HEAVEN!
GOD is incorporeal. HE is not human flesh. HE IS A SPIRIT! His throne is not akin to a big literal chair as we deem fit for royalty. The throne represents God’s supreme sovereignty. Here is where HIS Holy Power and Authority are divinely evident. Heaven itself is the LORD’S THRONE.
“But I say to you, Swear not at all neither by Heaven; for it is the LORD’S throne; Nor by earth; for it is HIS footstool; neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the Great King… “Matthew 5
“…Behold I stand at the door and knock. if any man/woman hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him/her, and will sup with him/her, And he/she with Me. To him/her that overcometh will I grant to sit with Me in My throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with MY FATHER in HIS THRONE. He/She that hath an ear, let him/her hear what the SPIRIT SAITH UNTO THE CHURCHES.” Revelation 3
GOD is always available. You just have to be willing to seek HIM!
Christ Jesus is the Son of God
CHRIST JESUS IS GOD THE FATHER, ONLY BEGOTTEN SON. He came to earth from HEAVEN: and was born of the Virgin Mary within a body of sinless flesh. HE IS THE LIVING WORD OF GOD. “IN THE BEGINNING WAS THE WORD AND THE WORD WAS WITH GOD, AND THE WORD WAS GOD. THE SAME WAS IN THE BEGINNING WITH GOD. ALL THINGS WERE MADE BY HIM; AND WITHOUT HIM WAS NOT ANYTHING MADE THAT WAS MADE…” John 1
CHRIST JESUS overcame sin in the flesh for us. To demonstrate His glorious Love and Power to the powers and principalities that be. To His Church as well as this world. He lived a sinless life. Yet, He was unjustly disrespected, mistreated and persecuted. By those He came to help! Then He was mercilessly beaten, crucified and died upon the cross and was buried… Yet, He arose from the grave with ALL POWER and ascended into Heaven in His glorified body. He is now in Heaven upon His throne. As believers, His Holy Spirit resides within our hearts.
Our Body is HIS Temple
This is what the LORD says about our bodies as Temples
“Know ye that ye are the Temple of GOD, and that the SPIRIT of GOD dwelleth in you. If any man/woman defile the Temple of GOD, him/ her shall GOD destroy, for the Temple of GOD is Holy, which temple ye are…” I Corinthians 3
It is important to know that if you are a believer and have truly accepted Christ Jesus into your heart as your Lord and Savior; Your body is a Temple. Therefore it behooves you to think about this on a deeper level. God wants to be a part of every area of our lives. But it is your choice?
“And what agreement hath the Temple of God with idols? for ye are the Temple of the Living GOD; as God has said, I WILL DWELL IN THEM, AND WALK IN THEM AND I WILL BE THEIR GOD, AND THEY SHALL BE MY PEOPLE. Wherefore, COME OUT, FROM AMONG THEM, AND BE YE SEPARATE, saith the LORD AND TOUCH NOT THE UNCLEAN THING; AND I WILL RECEIVE YOU, AND BE A FATHER UNTO YOU, AND YE SHALL BE MY SONS AND DAUGHTERS, saith the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY.” II Corinthians 6
We live in the world but not forever
Yes we are in the world. But we are not to be as the world. Many of the ways of the world have nested themselves among the CHURCH of GOD. It is important to always keep in mind that we “The People of GOD” are HIS CHURCH! Not the building. There are many different places of worship all throughout the world. Some are deeper into the Word of God than others. Know this; upon your personal profession of faith and acceptance of CHRIST JESUS into your heart as your LORD & SAVIOR; SALVATION BY HIS GRACE & ETERNAL LIFE is a precious GIFT from ALMIGHTY GOD! You cannot pay, tithe or earn your way into Heaven. We are not “SAVED BY WORKS!” We are “SAVED BY GOD’S GRACE!” Some are quite steeped into their denominational & non denominational doctrinal beliefs and practices. This is why it is so very important to know the WORD of GOD for yourself.
Earth is not our final destination. We will each live throughout eternity with GOD or without GOD! If you desire to live in Heaven it is important to know that JESUS CHRIST is the only way to Heaven. HE IS GOD’S ONLY BEGOTTEN SON… There is no other way for HE is the ONLY DOOR. He is also Manna meaning; Spiritual Bread from Heaven. He can OR will feed our mind, body & souls. But, it is your choice? He is God’s Amazing Living Word! Know today without doubt where you will live throughout eternity.
“…And Jesus said unto them , I AM the BREAD of LIFE; he that cometh to Me shall never hunger, and he that believeth on Me shall never thirst.” John 6
“…Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I AM the Door of the sheep. All that came ever before Me are thieves and robbers; but the sheep did not hear them. I AM the Door; by Me if any man/woman enter in, he/she shall be SAVED and go in and out and find pasture. John 10
GOD knows where everyone all over the world lives and why! There is nothing that He is not aware of past, present or future about anyone. Therefore wherever you are you can reach out to HIM. “Draw nigh to GOD and He will draw nigh to you…” James 4
Where is God?
GOD IS EVERYWHERE! ABOVE THE LORD THERE IS NO OTHER!
For HE is our Omnipresent, Omniscient, Omnipotent, GOD!
As long as GOD allows us to remain on HIS earth there is more to experience & learn. Each day is a day to grow closer to the Lord. To truly know Love is to know GOD for; “GOD IS LOVE!” And a part of HIS LOVE is correction… GOD’S LOVE IS ETERNAL and it lasts through ETERNITY.
“Live Out Loud The GOSPEL!”
The Apostle Paul gives A Message from the LORD on “MARS HILL”
Ponder and meditate upon this;
“…God made the world and all things therein, seeing that HE is LORD of Heaven and earth dwelleth not in Temples made with hands.
Neither is worshipped with mens/women’s hands, as though HE needed any thing, seeing HE giveth to all, life, and breath and all things,
And hath made of one blood all nations of Men/Women for to dwell on the face of the earth, and hath determined the times appointed, and the bounds of their habitation;
That they should seek the LORD, if haply they might feel after HIM, though HE be not far from any of us!
For it is in HIM we live, and move and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also HIS-offspring… ” ACTS 1
Know who you are in the LORD!
God wants His Grace to be with us
September 11, 2015 by Elder/Minister DeBorrah K. Ogans
Filed under Christian Living, Religion, Society & Culture
God wants His Grace to be with us
God is an omnipotent, gracious, kind & loving God. It is through His grace and compassion that He created this world for us to live in that we inhabit. Grace is God’s unmerited favor, it is His elegant extravagant divine kindness extended toward us. God always loves us because He is love and God wants His grace to be with us! Truly God is the Most High God above Him is no other! He is the Great “I AM!”
The Hebrew word for grace is hased. It is derived from the word hesad which means to be good or kind. The Greek word for grace is charis it is derived from the word char which means wellbeing pleasant or delightful. God’s grace has been bestowed upon us through Jesus Christ. “From the fullness of His grace we have all received one blessing after another. For the law was given through Moses; Grace & Truth came through Jesus Christ.” John 1 The Word teaches us that we are saved by the Grace of God. “For it is by grace you have been saved through faith — and this is not of yourselves, it is a gift from God – not by works, so that no one can boast, less anyone should boast.” Ephesians 2.
If you ever wonder how life on earth began take some time and study the Book of Genesis. Genesis means beginning or origin. It contains an authentic record of creation. It is by God’s graciousness that He created this world for us to live in. He created mankind for His Glory. “In the beginning God created the Heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was upon the face of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.” Genesis 1
It is clear that God existed before anything else. God is omnipresent He is everywhere at the same time, He is infinitely immeasurable. Our infinitesimal minds cannot comprehend the totality of God who is limitless. He created the Heavens and the earth through His Word Jesus Christ who had not yet manifested within a body of sinless flesh, yet He was with the Father from the beginning in Spirit. This is an amazing truth that we believe through the Faith He has instilled within us who embrace His infallible Word! There is absolutely nothing that has ever happened or will happen in Heaven or earth that God is not totally aware of. He is omniscient He knows everything that has happened, is happening and will happen. It is God’s desire that we draw closer to Him daily!
Everything that God made was good! God wants us to experience the goodness of His grace. “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God‘s Grace that He lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding. And made known the mystery of His will according to His good pleasure, which He purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment — to bring all things in Heaven and on earth together under One Head, even Christ!” Ephesians 1
God created and provided everything for Adam & Eve that was needed or necessary for them to live a rich full abundant carefree spiritual, emotional and physical life in His presence. He created Adam in His own image, who was the first man. He created them as one. “So God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” Genesis 1 God made Adam from the dust of the ground. He then placed Adam into a deep sleep, and took one of his rib bones. From the rib bone that was taken from Adam God miraculously created him a companion wife to be by his side! They both were as one, God named them Adam. Marriage was created by God. God’s grace was upon them. It was not until after they had disobeyed and sinned that Adam named his wife Eve. Adam & Eve was the first couple and they lived in harmony with the Lord until they disobeyed. From Peter we learn that the Lord extends His grace to us in marriage. It is important that God is or becomes the center of your marriage. “Husbands, likewise, dwell with them in understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered.” 1Peter 3
God’s Grace was with Adam & Eve from the very beginning.
Religion: How It Helps Or Impairs Mental Stability – Part 2
March 1, 2015 by Elder/Minister DeBorrah K. Ogans
Filed under Religion, Society & Culture
Christianity is much more than just a religion! It is so much more than a social club. In general, for many, religion has turned into a manufactured system where rules are dictated, regulated and policies are made. Quite often there is an ever increasing list of do’s and dont’s to conform to, which sometimes go so far as to require a staunch or restrictive dress code. Often actually forsaking the Power of the Holy Spirit’s ability to transform the individual’s life from the inside out! The Holy Spirit is the ultimate Spiritual Guide and Teacher! The Word of God teaches us that true worshipers worship the Father “In Spirit and in TRUTH!” John 4.
Keep in mind that the LORD is the most HIGH GOD who desires to continually transform the lives of devoted believers and reach out to the world! Above Him is no other! Without the Lord one is disconnected and is but a wretched lost human being, living aimlessly in the flesh without promise of eternal life! Once we accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior we then have purpose and are adopted into the family of God! We embark upon a life of becoming enlightened, spiritual growth and being renewed as we apply His godly principles to our own lives. The Promise of Eternal Life waits as we grow spiritually realizing that we are forever “becoming…” As long as there is breath in the body there is Hope! NEVER underestimate the POWER of the LORD! “What is impossible with man is POSSIBLE WITH GOD!
God intended for Christianity to be a daily lifestyle centered on Him! Christianity consists of the process by which we can learn the origins of man and draw closer to our Creator and Governor of the universe! We can discover more about the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit and commence to live life to daily please the LORD! It is the “GOOD NEWS GOSPEL!” The central tenet in the Christian Faith is our belief in JESUS CHRIST and HIS WORD. He actually was God incarnate within sinless human flesh. The world was spoken into existence through Jesus! He actually became the WORD wrapped in flesh! “In the beginning was the WORD, and the WORD was with GOD, and the WORD was GOD. He was with GOD from the beginning. Through HIM ALL things were made; without HIM nothing was made that has been made. In HIM was life, and that life was the LIGHT of men…” John 1. Acceptance of Him as Lord and Savior is a definite requirement for all Christians. He reconciles us to the Most High God and gives us the gift of Salvation and the inheritance of Eternal life!
Secular Beliefs
Let’s take a momentary glance into the secular perception of religion from a widely respected source. Dr. Sigmund Freud, who is well known for his psychoanalytical theories, perspective on religion says:” Religious faith produces a repression of impulses and thus keeps the personality secure at the expense of honesty.” He is recognized as the father of “Psychoanalysis.” He also developed many of the concepts in *Psychology.” It is here the mind and behaviors are studied.
“Psychology is the study of the mental processes and behavior. The term psychology comes from the Greek word psyche meaning “breath, spirit, soul” and the logia meaning “study of.” Psychology emerged from biology and philosophy and is closely linked to other disciplines including sociology, medicine, linguistics and anthropology.
Freud believed that the actual drive-oriented nature is overlooked because the aspect of human nature has long been suppressed by religion. People in their insecurity begin to look for a cosmic father in order to compensate for their feelings of inferiority and insecurity. Freud also believed that religious activities are rituals of compulsive behavior that are employed to temporarily ease the intense guilt feelings that are fostered by religion. Likewise Christians neurotically try to free themselves of guilt feelings by performing religious rituals. Freud also maintains that the dependency fostered by religion causes infantile regression.
Much to my dismay there is a minuscule element of truth in what Freud believed in regards to religion. I do not personally embrace his theories of psychology. But many do hide behind the guise of religion. There is a tendency to project a façade where things appear to be alright. They often go along with the majority and conform in order to feel connected to their particular group but remain insecure within themselves as an individual… There is often much ambivalence and unrest in their conscious relationship to God personally. They feel distant from Him trying to fill the inner void with some of everything!
Whenever the soul is not really anchored; the philosophies in regards to the origins of man becomes a playground for answers.
Whenever GOD is not the center of one’s religion one can regress into this sea of uncertainty. Nothing is infallible and there is much doubt as to what has already been proven to be true! What was wrong becomes right and therefore one becomes polluted by the world. The world continues to migrate further and further away from God as Creator and the principles of His Word. Anything can be a religion. God is a Spirit and must be worshiped in Spirit & in Truth! Many religious folks modify His Word to adjust to the current desires of society. We can learn much from the Word of God. When His principles are abandoned there is a downward shift in the overall moral standards. Keep in mind GOD wants us to be spiritual beings that believe, embrace, implement and trust His Word!
The Bible does not ever contradict itself! The New Testament has fulfilled the prophecies of the Old Testament! There is no other book like the Bible! It is an extraordinarily remarkable library of infallible spiritual wisdom that is inclusive of 66 books! It cannot be fully grasped by the intellectual mind alone. One must solicit the Holy Spirit to intervene and illuminate the significant meanings of its plethora of Scriptures. It is also the all time best seller! In order to not be lead astray it is important to know for yourself what the Word of God says! We as Christians believe and accept the TRUTH of GOD’S WORD by FAITH! This is why we are called “Believers.” When Christians follow the ways of the world rather than embrace the Word they usually have not actually taken the time to build an up close personal intimate “one on one” relationship with the Lord.
It is only with the Lord can one discover true “Security & Significance!” There is a tendency to encourage focusing on the outer rituals and traditions rather than to intrinsically search within to see where the true problem lies to resolve any inner conflict. The inner anxiety or unresolved issues can then become ongoing baggage that is carried throughout life producing anxiety when it is not addressed. God wants us to become whole! He wants us to take responsibility for our actions and take a stand for our rights. He wants to write His laws upon our hearts! Inner Peace can be experienced when one readily repents (turns from) any wrong behavior and moves forward… God does not want us bogged down in guilt nor shackled to any uncivilized or inappropriate behavior. He wants us to be FREE! There are very good reasons why He has said DO NOT do some things! The world says do as you please! God wants us to become disciplined! A disciple is a learner! God wants to deliver us from whatever hinders us from growing spiritually and becoming all that He created us to be He wants us to; “Take My yoke upon you and learn of me. For I am gentle and humble of heart and you will find rest for your soul…” Matthew 11. This is why He has given us JESUS CHRIST to “SAVE” us from the power of sin reigning within our daily lives! GOD IS MORE THAN ABLE!
Jesus died to take upon Himself the sins of the world and make it possible for us to become directly reconnected back to GOD! Sin had widened the abyss between God and man. The Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit are One! Jesus His only begotten Son humbled Himself to come to earth. He was Divine! Shaped in the image of GOD In the form of a man covered in sinless flesh, He overcame sin for us because He loved us so! Jesus bridged the gap between God and man and became the only “PERFECT” example! He arose with ALL power and took away the sting of death and sin. His Holy Spirit is our Comforter! We can now go straight to GOD wherever we are at anytime. He knows everything past, present and future about everyone and everything! This is why we all need Jesus Christ as Savior and LORD! He can and will make a significant difference in our life! God wants and up close and personal relationship with each one of us! We were created for HIS GLORY! Now that’s LOVE!
Prayer is communication with GOD and we need to regularly spend quality time with Him! His Word tells us in I Thessalonians 5; “Pray without ceasing, give Thanks in ALL circumstances, for this is God’s Will for you in Christ Jesus.” This is a continual mode of interacting with the Lord! We are able to consistently become aware of HIS PRESENCE! There is nowhere we can go that God is not… As the people of GOD, there must be a growing daily focus on our personal relationship with the LORD that becomes more an more natural. We are able to grow spiritually each day. God’s Church is collectively all over the world made up of a diverse multiplicity of people of all races, colors and creeds that believe His Word! Whenever are wherever we come together and assemble as His Church we will be much more effective when we have spent time with Him throughout the week! We are to apply His principles to our own lives and allow Him to guide us as He works out the kinks in our lives. Life is about becoming “perfected” which means to become completed in Him! We can invite Him into the “Messiness” of our lives! We can also worship Him more freely as we draw near to Him! Worship becomes a part of our daily lifestyle.
I truly believe that it is the intentions of many to have God’s will done in their life. The desire to please man and to be accepted often supersedes the spiritual responsibility to be led by the Spirit. This is where the conflict lies… There is much spiritual warfare to entice believers away from GOD and to keep non believers from embracing God personally and intimately! We learn in Genesis that God created us in His own image. ( I don’t mean looking like Him) In essence we are spiritual and relational beings. We have been created for God’s purpose. Until we arrive at the point that helps us realize just that, we can often unconsciously create more adversity and anxiety in our lives trying to adapt and please man. This in turn can and will at times create a mental deficiency because the deep void remains. This void can be filled by many things… But they never really quite satisfy. God has a place within us that only He can fill. Ideally speaking; Did you know that if we were all following the Lord we truly would be on one accord. There would also be a lot less schisms and division within the Body of Christ!
Religion ritualistically practiced often focuses on the exterior. Encouraging others to worship in a way they deem appropriate by their denomination or non denomination at a certain time rather than ascertain a truly intimate relationship with the Lord. What do you mean? A few examples! If you are too quiet you can be perceived as standoffish and unemotional! If you don’t speak in tongues you don’t have the Holy Spirit! If you wear makeup you are being carnal… If you don’t pay tithes… If you do not wear long dresses or cover your head… If you don’t come to the service every Sunday… If you shout and pray loud you are… If you are quite emotional it can be perceived as being more spiritual… If you are… The point is worship is personal and the object of our worship should be the LORD. The wonderful thing about God is HE KNOWS ALL of our hearts! God wants you to be the best You! Conforming to be accepted can leave one with an ever greater void. The Word tells us the proper way to worship God is to be led by His Holy Spirit! Remember! “GOD is a SPIRIT and HIS worshipers worship HIM in SPIRIT and in TRUTH!” John 4.
In many cases it is not said in an audible language, yet there is a penalty for not adhering to what is expected, sometimes resulting in labeling or alienation. Many are far few and in between that have truly experienced the unconditional Love that is so often spoken of. This is nothing new, way back when even the Samaritans, Gentiles and Jews differed in their concept of worship. This is why we currently in this 21st century have so many denominations and varied places of worship. It is important that your chosen place of worship does not compromise the Word of God! Know that ultimately God who is Love is really the only source of unconditional Love! He Loves us because HE is LOVE! It is in HIM you can experience TRUE LOVE, inner fulfillment and PEACE! Spend time each day growing closer to the Lord! The LORD has a purpose and plan just for you…
RELIGION: How it Helps or Impairs Mental Stability-Part 1
September 14, 2012 by Minister/Elder DeBorrah K. Ogans
Filed under Politics, Religion
Life is a cavernously deep expeditious journey. It is a complex menagerie of diverse emotions, feelings, thoughts, interactions, relationships and occurrences. How long or short will each of us be here no one really knows. As we grow we encounter a multiplicity of experiences that cause us to look deeper into what life is really all about. Each day is a new opportunity to discover something new no matter how small or seemingly inconsequential. As we grow it becomes evident that there is so much more to life than meets the eye. We embark upon a remarkable quest of discovery; but where does or will it all lead? We discover that we are also spiritual beings…
How do we get to know GOD?
The spiritual journey leads us to the realization of our Creator. God the Father the Great “I AM.” The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob! This is what we as adherent believers believe. (I realize that not everyone believes the same.) As we begin to relate to the Lord properly He will free us more and more from the things that misrepresent Him. As we grow spiritually our spiritual eyes are opened and we become more conscious of why we do what we do. Our conscience becomes much more sensitive to the things that are contrary to His Will and His Way. Our desire should be to live to please Him as we grow spiritually. Growing in the Grace and Knowledge of our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ is an ongoing continuing life process. The Canonical Gospels which we know as the WORD contains a wealth of the history and origins of mankind. This is why it is so important to spend time in HIS WORD! Here we are able to ascertain the invaluable, priceless and precious TRUTH!
Know who you are in the Lord!
Through a plethora of life lessons we begin to grow. We all have areas in which we are lacking, It is within our deficiencies we can discover a need for something greater than ourselves for survival. How do we cope with life, living and the anxieties that come along with it! As we become aware the discovery of a supernatural existence greater than ourselves and the ongoing need for spiritual growth and balance becomes apparent! It is a continual learning process.
God did not create us to be or become robots. Each of us is uniquely different with varying temperaments. He has given us the free will to choose… The world also offers many choices as well. It’s important to know the difference and then choose wisely. There are both good and bad consequences for our choices. Sin is what separates us from God! God is the Creator and Maker of mankind an ultimately knows what is best for us. Know who you are in the Lord! It is our choice to draw closer to Him or look to the world and society for direction. The ways of God and the ways of the world often conflict here lays the inner conflict…
God sent us His only begotten Son; JESUS CHRIST to redeem us from the curse of sin. Sin separates us from GOD! Jesus came as an innocent babe wrapped in sinless flesh. He overcame sin in the flesh. He went through all the stages of life, yet He never sinned! He was crucified, died and was buried and then He arose with ALL POWER! He came to point us back into the right direction that once again unites us to our Creator. The Narrow Path is the Way that leads to Him. It is the godly spiritual path with fewer travelers. Jesus was the Door back to the Father. Jesus is the only perfect example! Living for the Lord is meant to be a way of living daily. No one knows exactly when, but we do know that the LORD is going to return for HIS CHURCH!
GOD NEVER INTENDED FOR RELIGION TO BE A CRUTCH!
Why is there so much confusion about religion! What is religion?
Religion consists of cultural views, beliefs and various systems worldwide. Religion in itself is not bad but for many it means different things. It takes on many forms depending on the particular culture! Christianity, Islam Buddhism and Hinduism are considered the four major religions. There are thousands of religions throughout the world. Within those religions are varied and diverse practices and an assortment of ritual. What, whom, why and how we choose to worship is where the problem lies. What we believe varies… Know who you are in the Lord! We must become aware of the mixture of misconceptions in order to know what true godly religion really is according to the Word of God.
This is what Wikipedia has to say about religion: “
“The word religion is sometimes used interchangeably with faith or belief system, but religion differs from private belief in that it has a public aspect[citation needed]. Some religions have organized behaviors, clergy, a definition of what constitutes adherence or membership, congregations of laity, regular meetings or services for the purposes of veneration of a deity or for prayer, holy places (either natural or architectural), and/or scriptures. The practice of a religion may also include sermons, commemoration of the activities of a god or gods, sacrifices, festivals, feasts, trance, initiations, funerary services, matrimonial services, meditation, music, art, dance, public service, or other aspects of human culture. However, there are examples of religions for which some or many of these aspects of structure, belief, or practices are absent.”
Technically by the worlds standard you can elect to worship just about anything. For some religion is just a commitment to an organized institutionalized system of beliefs and doctrines. The beliefs vary and often adapts and changes as the world changes…
CHRISTIANITY & RELIGION
Christianity goes beyond just being a religion. It is also the main focus within the context of this narrative. Religion is an essential important fundamental aspect of Christianity. Let’s take a look at The WORD of GOD’S definition for religion! “If any one considers him religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless. Religion that GOD our FATHER accepts as PURE and FAUTLESS is this; to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to KEEP oneself from being polluted by the world.” James 1. These verses are quite self explanatory.
Christianity is a way of living, it is meant to be a daily lifestyle! Know who you are in the Lord! Being a Christian simply means to follow Jesus Christ and daily embrace His teachings. Jesus is the promised Messiah! He is the Holy Lamb of God that sacrificed His life for the sins of the world… We who are called believers, through FAITH believe the Bible to be the intrinsic infallible Word of God! Christianity is monotheistic. We believe in one GOD! The Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit are ONE! We are supposed to actually apply the principles of God’s Word to our daily lives. It is the barometer by which we determine right and wrong! Yes! It was divinely inspired by dedicated followers of God. As mentioned earlier the aspects of pure religion are explained in the Book of James. James was actually one of the brothers of our Lord Jesus. For many religion is about conforming to the beliefs of the masses without really personally taking the time to know what is actually in the Bible. Sometimes often embracing the traditions, doctrines and beliefs of a denomination over the Word of God!
GOD’S WORD IS ALIVE! It can sometimes be so simple we miss the intended message. The closer you or I draw to GOD the more we can increasingly understand the simplicity and powerfulness of HIS WORD. His Holy Spirit further opens our spiritual eyes and illuminates His Word so we can better comprehend the intended message. His Holy Spirit is the eternal inner Teacher and spiritual interpreter that reside within us as believers. To lead us to ALL TRUTH! Listen closely to what Jesus said; “I have much more to say to you, more than you can hear now bear. But when He the Spirit of TRUTH, comes He will guide you to ALL TRUTH. He will not speak on His own; He will speak only what he hears, and He will tell you what is yet to come. He will bring glory to Me by taking from what is mine and making it made known to you. ALL that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the SPIRIT will take from what is mine and make it known to you.” John 16.
During Jesus’ last days on earth He talked quite candidly with His disciples. He warned them that they would be misunderstood, mistreated and persecuted. He also told them they would not be accepted by the world. But most importantly He assured them that they would not be alone! He has given us His Comforter, His Holy Spirit to be with us always! This is why it is so important to know HIS WORD for yourself! We can call on the LORD anytime and anywhere 24/7! God is omnipresent. Everywhere we are or go He is there! Think about this for a moment; when JESUS left the earth and ascended to Heaven there was not an actual physical Christian Church as far as a building. Jesus Christ nor His Apostles/Disciples built buildings for worship. The disciples and His followers met in homes, they knew then as we should know now that they themselves were the CHURCH! GOD’S CHURCH is universal! The Apostles/Disciples knew and learned from Jesus that their body was actually a Temple…
Please Read: Religion: How It Helps Or Impairs Mental Stability – Part 2
